Inductee No 6 into the Australian distillers Hall of Fame is a gentleman who I am sure you will all know well. This speech was easier to prepare as all I had to do was lift their public speaking profile.
This person has a Diploma of Wine Marketing (Adelaide), and a Master of Marketing (Melbourne) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ladies and gentleman I cannot hide it. Because this person is in the media all the time. It is none other than our dear immediate past president Stuart Gregor.
Stu’s background is journalism, small business, drinks and communications – having written multiple wine guides, (you geek) founded Australia’s leading lifestyle public relations business Liquid Ideas, and worked closely with a couple of Australia’s most innovative and disruptive not-for-profit start- ups – RUOK? Day and OzHarvest.
This next part comes from his public speaking profile, so I take no credit. Over recent years Stu has also earned a reputation as an MC, auctioneer, commentator and occasional speaker on the subject of himself… and some of his more colourful exploits; particularly in the worlds of gin, marketing, small business, journalism and what it takes to turn a passionate hobby (drinking) into a viable business career.
In the world of public relations, he founded Liquid Ideas in 2000, was the inaugural Chair of the Public Relations Council (2012-2014) and the PR industry Leader of the Year in 2014. Liquid Ideas has won multiple awards and widespread recognition for its campaigns for clients as diverse as Singapore Airlines, Victoria Bitter, RUOK? Day, Canadian Club and Rexona.
He sat on the board of Australia’s leading food waste organization Oz Harvest from 2012-2019 and is co-owner of luxury travel firm Gregor & Lewis, with his sister Melinda.
At the First ADA conference Spike, another legend, asked Stu to stop cursing. A person who was there said It was like Stu had found religion. That person had never seen him struggle to speak in public.
Four Pillars has a saying - I put a bug in their staff room - Cam makes gin, Matt makes sense and Stu makes us famous.
From day one Stu pushed Four Pillars to become a world class gin with a global footprint. This is the same for the entire Australian industry. He would be the first to say that we have a place on the world stage and should be represented in bars and retailers across the world.
He’s a born connector and has the ability to become your mate easily and quickly through either booze or sport or family. Within 10 minutes of meeting him you’ll feel like you’ve known him for years.
He knocks down doors and simply won’t take no for an answer.
He is always encouraging distillers to think bigger and invest in their businesses. Much like the ADA - grow, invest and rally the troops.
During his time as president, Stu had endless trips to Canberra and conversations with government at all levels. Such is the class of this man, that even when he falls asleep next to the Prime Minister he makes it look professional.
Stu recently had knee replacements. His knee replacements are not the result of years of high level rugby - he simply spent too much time on his knees begging the government for excise relief.
No one champions a cause like Stu and he is someone you want in your corner at all times.
He is sometimes the squeakiest of wheels and no amount of oil can make it stop, until he sees progress.
He has an endless list of charities he champions - Starlight Foundation, R U OK Day, OzHarvest…and so much more. Obviously, a man of integrity. Four pillars wouldn’t be the same without him and neither would the ADA.
He is generous, funny, possibly argumentative at times, tireless and definitely not very woke. Allegedly, he can be as annoying as hell. But if he has an opportunity to take the piss out of himself he will. He loves being the centre of attention but will hate being the subject of this attention despite thoroughly deserving it.
Stu is a father of two based in Sydney who follows every code of sport imaginable with a particular love for the mighty Sydney Swans, Eastern Suburbs Roosters and the Wallabies.